Visiting London's Royal Palaces

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Widely considered the finest and most beautiful residences in the United Kingdom, London's royal palaces attract admirers from around the world. Here the top spots to see how the British royal family lives on your next trip to this capital city.

Buckingham Palace

One of the best-known royal palaces in the world, Buckingham Palace is the primary residence of the British monarch. The palace features 19 state rooms, which are open to the public only from late June to late September when the queen goes to Scotland. During the rest of the year, visitors can admire the palace and its famous balcony from behind gilded gates. The Changing of the Guard ceremony is a real treat, but make sure to arrive well before the scheduled procession to beat the crowds.

How to Visit: Experience life as a member of the British royal family on a summer tour of the State Rooms and Throne Room, then stroll through St. James' Park to a luxury hotel for afternoon tea.

Kensington Palace

Once home to Queen Victoria and Princess Diana, Kensington Palace is set in the heart of central London. In recent years the palace has played host to members of the lesser royalty, and remains a popular royal residence.

How to Visit: With the Royal Palaces Pass, combine your visit to the King's and Queen's State Apartments, as well as the Palace Gardens, with a trip to Hampton Court Palace and the Tower of London.

Hampton Court Palace

Located on the banks of the Thames River to the southwest of central London, 16th-century Hampton Court Palace is a masterpiece of baroque and Tudor architecture. Once King Henry VIII's private residence, it was built to rival the Palace of Versailles in Paris.

How to Visit: Buy a skip-the-line ticket to beat the queues and head straight inside the palace compound.

Banqueting House

The 17th-century Banqueting House sits on Whitehall in central London, and is widely considered the finest example of neoclassical architecture in the city. The national monument welcomes visitors keen to admire its grand hallways and suites.

How to Visit: Stroll through the impressive Banqueting Hall at your leisure, and admire features such as the bronze bust of James I and ceiling paintings by Flemish master Sir Peter Paul Rubens.

Tower of London

The Tower of London is a UNESCO–listed landmark dating back to the 11th-century Norman Conquest of England. One of the city's most popular attractions, the tower is protected by the famous Beefeater guards and has housed the monarch’s Crown Jewels since the 14th century. Following alterations made by notorious ruler Henry VII, many visitors have claimed to have seen ghosts in the towers and corridors.

How to Visit: Follow a Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) guide on a tour of the Royal Armories collection, Tower Green, Traitors’ Gate, and the White Tower, and marvel at the Crown Jewels.

Bypass the long lines at the Tower of London and make the most of your tour through this dark and infamous complex. View the remarkable Crown Jewels and visit the White Tower, Traitors’ Gate and Tower Green, where Anne Boleyn met her grisly end. Choose to explore on your own or follow a ‘Beefeater’ guard on a guided walk. An audio tour is also available for an additional fee.

Discover London’s royal history and sights on a London tour by foot and boat. Start with an early access visit to the Tower of London to see the opening ceremony and Crown Jewels without the usual daytime crowds. Then, take to the water on a half-hour River Thames sightseeing cruise. Stroll to Horse Guard’s Parade or Buckingham Palace to see the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony, and learn all about the British Royal Family from a knowledgeable local guide.

Get an up-close look at Henry VIII’s royal lifestyle with this priority entrance pass to Hampton Court Palace. Enjoy faster access inside the venue and tours led by costumed guides. View the King's and Queen's State Apartments, Tutor-style kitchens, Hampton Court’s famous garden maze, and more.

Glimpse into the lifestyle of the Royals with this pass to London’s Kensington Palace. Enjoy faster access to the venue and while away the hours exploring the opulent space, once home to Queen Victoria and Princess Diana. Tour the King’s and Queen’s State Apartments and the Palace Gardens, and learn the intimate history of Queen Victoria at the fascinating ‘Victoria Revealed’ exhibition – set within her own room adorned with personal objects.

See London's green spaces and stately sites on a 3-hour bike tour, which allows you to cover more ground than you would by walking but still be outside to catch all the views. With a guide, you'll pedal past royal residences such as Kensington Palace and St. James's Palace and ride through Hyde Park, home to the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain. When booking, you have the choice of either a standard bike or electric bike.

Marvel at two magnificent royal castles in one day with this convenient shuttle service from Hampton Court Palace in London to Windsor Castle in Windsor. Spend the morning exploring Henry VIII’s lavish royal residence, peek into the state rooms and Tudor kitchens, and stroll around the idyllic gardens. Then, soak up the scenery on the 30-minute journey to Windsor, where you can marvel at the world’s oldest continually occupied castle, visit St George’s Chapel and admire Queen Mary’s famous Dolls House.

Explore three of London’s iconic royal palaces with this money-saving Royal Palaces Pass. Your pass gives you one-time access to the mystery-laden Tower of London, Hampton Court and Kensington Palace. Roam the sites independently to discover their halls, chambers and other attractions at your own pace. Buying the pass in advance lets you skip the main lines at each site and, because it's valid for a full two years, you can spread out your visits as you wish.

Remember your London vacation through a professional lens with a private 1-hour photoshoot around Buckingham Palace. It’s a great opportunity, whether you’re traveling as a couple, group of friends, family, or flying solo. Work with your professional photographer to decide on a style and setting that suits your personality. Afterwards, access your professionally edited photos on a private online gallery.

Experience London’s royal highlights on this 3.5-hour sightseeing tour by coach, including the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Take a panoramic tour of the city with your guide, passing Kensington Palace and Westminster Abbey. You'll also see Trafalgar Square and Big Ben, and watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Upgrade to include an open-date ticket for the London Eye.

Immerse yourself in the history of the British Royal Family at Banqueting House, the only section of the Palace of Whitehall still standing following a savage fire in the 17th century. See where Charles I was beheaded after being convicted of high treason, admire impressive artworks by Rubens, and learn more about the construction of the opulent building and the parties that once took place there. Upgrade to also include entry to the Tower of London, Kensington Palace and Hampton Court Palace.

Discover the regal residences and rich royal history of London on a 3.5-hour sightseeing tour and Thames River cruise. With an accomplished guide, travel by luxury coach through the capital’s most opulent areas to see majestic landmarks like Big Ben and Kensington Palace. Gaze at a traditional Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace and then climb aboard a boat for a tranquil cruise on the River Thames. Glide past iconic sights like the London Eye and the Tower of London and enjoy illuminating commentary as you sail.

Delight in the quintessentially English culture of London on a 4.5-hour tour that combines three iconic British experiences. With a knowledgeable guide, watch the incredible Changing of the Guard Ceremony outside of Buckingham Palace, and then embark on an audio-guided tour of the residence’s lavish State Apartments, only open for two months of the year. Then, head to a prestigious hotel in central London and pleasure your palate with an appetizing array of finger sandwiches, soft scones and aromatic cups of English tea. Book now to avoid missing the few dates that Buckingham Palace is open to the public.

See London’s highlights by retro double-decker bus, cruise boat and foot on this 5.5-hour tour. Take a seat on a vintage, red Routemaster bus and pass top London sights including Trafalgar Square, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. Then, soak in more London landmarks, such as Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, on a Thames River sightseeing cruise. Finally, crown your tour with a visit to magnificent Buckingham Palace. Take an audio tour of the ornate State Rooms, only accessible to the public for two months in the year.

Feel like a British Royal on this 4-hour tour that includes a visit to Buckingham Palace and afternoon tea. Meet a tour host outside the royal residence and head inside with your prebooked ticket and audio guide for an independent tour of the State Rooms. Then, join back up with your host and stroll through St James’s Park to an elegant venue, where you’ll savor a traditional afternoon tea spread of scones, sandwiches and tea. Please note: Buckingham Palace is open to the public for just eight weeks (approx.) each year and tickets sell out quickly. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Visit two of England's grandest royal residences on this day trip to Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace. Traveling from London by air-conditioned coach, head for Windsor Castle in Windsor. Be one of the first of the morning to witness the State Apartments and St George’s Chapel, and, depending on the day, the Changing of the Guard. Then, pass Runnymede, where the Magna Carta was signed in 1205, and enjoy an audio-guided tour of the magnificent State Rooms and treasures of Buckingham Palace, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s main London residence.